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Police looking for public's help in finding boy allegedly slammed to floor of Walmart by adult male

By Howard B. Owens

Police are concerned for the well being of a young boy whom witnesses say was slammed to the floor by a male subject while inside Walmart and are seeking the public's quick assistance in locating the boy and the suspect.

A witness said he saw a man pick up a boy who is believed to be about 8 or 9 years old, lift him over his head and slam him to the floor.

Trooper Holly Hanssel said she believes the boy suffered injuries.

The man, the boy and a woman along with two other boys, believed to be ages 4 and 5, left their basket of items and exited the store after a man who witnessed the incident confronted the suspect and told him to stop.

The group ran toward the exit and drove away in a dark-colored sedan in the style of a Buick Century or Chevy Lumina.

The alleged incident was reported just before 2:45 p.m.

The male suspect is described as white with dirty blond hair and 5'8" tall. The female is blonde, wearing a red tank-top and skirt. The boy was wearing a green shirt.

Anybody with information that may assist in locating the boy so police can check on his welfare are asked to call the State Police Batavia Barracks at (585) 344-6200.

(Initial Report)

UPDATE 6:30 p.m.: Law enforcement has taken into custody 28-year-old Christopher Cummings, of Pavilion, in connection with the incident. Charges, if any, are as yet unspecified. Child Protective Services responded and notes there are bruises to the child's arm.

Note: No further phone calls about this incident are necessary. Law enforcement has enough information at this point, but thanks the public for their assistance.

Lori Silvernail

This picture should be distributed to the schools. A teacher may recognize these parents. And they can watch for a child who misses school tomorrow, as the parents may go into hiding since this is public. People are sharing this story on Facebook like mad. Hopefully it will help!

May 23, 2013, 5:18pm Permalink
Nick and Kathy LaFarnara

Horrible!!!! I was there when this happened...little boy screaming and crying as that man yelled and slapped him (didn't see him throw him to the ground, but the little boy was holding his arm) it was so loud that everyone in Walmart could here him and came running to see what was going on. The mom just kept saying come on we have to get out of here. So upsetting to see this happen to that little boy (as I'm shopping for birthday gifts for my 1 year old grandson) Big thanks to the man that called the police. I only wish that a man would have stood up to him and taken the boy (kids) away from them. I think Walmart should invest in some security guards!!!

May 23, 2013, 5:28pm Permalink
Lori Silvernail

Someone on the Facebook Batavian site has put a name out there. The next poster said they needed to call the police with the name. Hopefully she's got the name right and something is done right away for this child and his siblings!

May 23, 2013, 5:33pm Permalink
Brett DeKruger

It sounds like they got this piece of garbage. I hope the mother gets charged also. She's just as guilty. It's too bad no one got to him before the police.

May 23, 2013, 6:48pm Permalink
Ed Hartgrove

Is the picture that accompanies this story supposed to be the people they are looking for? The reason I asked is, the story says the woman was wearing a red tank-top, but the woman in the picture is wearing the (whitest) red shirt I've ever seen. Just wondering!

May 23, 2013, 7:08pm Permalink
Mark Potwora

Thank to this site and facebook and to the person who ID'ed him for catching up with this guy so fast...Police should do this more often whenever possible..

May 23, 2013, 7:33pm Permalink
Gary Spencer

Looks like it took less than 2 hours from the time it appeared on thebatavian to him getting busted!!
Great job!!
Now lets hope the wheels of justice roll over his pee brain!

May 23, 2013, 8:56pm Permalink

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